Queen City Ex set up off to a soggy start

The rain is not expected to cause any troubles for the midway as it sets up for the Queen City Ex later this week.

Food vendors began trickling in Monday as a steady stream of rainwater flowed down storm drains in the parking lot. The midway is expected to arrive Monday night, with the main setup taking place Tuesday.

Josh Shaw, manager of major events and entertainment at Evraz Place, said it’s not a race to set up, but expects everything to be ready by Wednesday for opening.

“They’re professionals. They’ve set up in these kind of conditions before and we’re hopeful they can get it done, just in a safe manner.”

Construction of the main stage had to be paused for a while during lightning as a safety precaution.

There is no new midway attraction this year, but last year’s favourite “The Remix” is returning. Shaw hinted at plans to bring a new roller coaster to the Ex next year, but plans are still in the works.

The forecast shows the rain ending by Wednesday, but even if the rain continues, Shaw explained the show would go on, as long as there is no severe weather.

“If there’s no lightning, the rides will keep going and it’s surprising how many people still ride those rides when it’s pouring rain,” he said.

Tuesday night’s parade is also a rain-or-shine event. It starts at Cameron Street and Dewdney Avenue and ends at the Tartan Curling Club on Broadway Avenue. Fireworks will follow at dusk in Wascana Park but if the rain persists, organizers may have to move the show to another day.

The wet weather is nothing new to the Queen City Ex. A storm rolled through last year cancelling the Bret Michaels concert. He is returning to southern Saskatchewan with a show October 29 in Moose Jaw.

This year’s headliners include Magic! on Wednesday, the Roadhammers and Doc Walker on Thursday, the Gin Blossoms on Friday, Daughtry on Saturday and closing with Shawn Mendes on Sunday. All concerts are free with general admission.

John Fogerty will be performing at the Brandt Centre on Wednesday which is a separate show. You can get tickets through Ticketmaster.